Neglect of public school infrastructure in Tasmania, says union

The Australian Education Union has compiled data analysing private and public school capital infrastructure funding.

Australian Education Union state president David Genford used the report's data to call for the government to prioritise public education.

"Principals have to deal with leaky roofs, temporary classroom infrastructure problems and fixing windows on top of dealing with their own unsustainable workload and a teacher recruitment crisis," Dr Genford said.

"We need a Government that will prioritise quality public education by committing to properly resourcing schools and ensuring Tasmania really does lead the nation in education. "

Education Minister Roger Jaensch said the state had invested a record $8.9 billion into education, and more than $305 million into schools, education and vocational training infrastructure.

He said this was under its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's future.

"Labor tried to close 20 schools, cut school nurses, opposed Year 11 and 12 extensions, and wrecked TAFE."

Mr Genford said the report highlighted the neglect of public school grounds, classrooms and other capital infrastructure in Tasmania.

"Ten years of a Tasmanian Liberal Government has left Tasmania with a public school system starved of basic funding required to maintain a safe, quality learning environment for every student. That is inexcusable," said Mr. Genford.

"In 2015 Premier Rockliff announced his vision that Tasmania would lead the nation in education. His legacy as Premier has been to leave Tasmania at the bottom of the pile. That is a disgrace," he said.